Jason Witten retiring from National Football League, heading to ESPN

While Witten is the only Dallas player with 1,000 catches (1,152), his career was defined more by durability and toughness than flashy stats.

Jones couldn't be more excited about Witten's next chapter, either. And as you get older, I think you realise there's a deeper meaning.

"Better three hours too soon than a minute too late", he added. "It's time to pass the torch to the next generation".

"It's a unique opportunity to join a really good team - with a group of guys who have the same passion", Witten said.

"As being a fan of this game, I knew that was John Madden's chair".

Jason Witten announced his retirement from the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday amid reports he will become an analyst for Monday Night Football.

As for the press conference/going away conference, the highlights had to be Ginger slapping Witten in the chest twice & then Jerry saying that Jason should've knocked the shiit out of Ginger for this... After all, TV jobs are where former Cowboys players - such as Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Deion Sanders, Daryl Johnston, Darren Woodson and Don Meredith - and former coach Jimmy Johnson end up. That is way better than a gold watch.

Witten is third on the Cowboys' list with 68 touchdown catches. Jones could be heard telling Witten's wife that the diamond football is indeed real.

"He has prepared himself as well as anybody who has ever worn the star as much to take that next step", Jones said. "These are all real".

What Witten did on the field was a dream individual career, especially at a position that tended to fly under the radar everywhere except places like New England or San Diego, and, of course, Dallas.

"Jerry you have been a father figure to me for most of my life", Witten said to Jones.

Let's zoom in on that thing and try and count all the diamonds on it.

Through his own charitable foundation, Jason Witten's SCORE Foundation, Witten has launched numerous outreach programs and funded several new building projects in Texas and his native Tennessee.

While fighting back tears at times after the Cowboys were eliminated from playoff contention for yet another disappointing finish last season, Witten seemed intent on playing a 16th season. "But we're with you, man". At the same time, we're going to be so supportive of him if he decides it's time to make a change in his career path.

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